Playparks re-open for local children Secondary education set for Ogilvie Campus

Playparks in West Lothian have re-opened but parents and children are being asked to wash their hands after using play equipment.

Play parks had closed due to the increased r isk of transmission via surfaces such as playground equipment. Executive councillor for the Environment, Tom Conn said: “Our play inspectors have completed an inspection of all the non-school play areas to ensure they are safe and to remove glass etc. We are pleased that we’re now able to re-open the parks in line with the guidance provided. However, we would like to re-iterate the message that children and parents should wash their hands after using play equipment, ideally using hand sanitiser. We will not be sanitising equipment as it is not practical and would require a constant presence at 225 play parks at all play areas which is impossible for us to do. We’d ask children and adults to continue to take safe and practical steps when using our parks.”

“there is a strong case for the council to move to establish the provision of education for S2 pupils at Ogilvie.

“The proposal is clearly based on the educational benefits for the pupils and their families”.

Ogilvie School Campus provides education for pupils with severe and complex needs.

David Dodds, executive councillor for education, said the introduction of the year groups will ensure that pupils have the education and support they need.

He added: “The introduction of S2 education at Ogilvie will allow seamless progression through secondary education within an environment that fully supports the individual needs of the pupil and continues to offer opportunity to achieve across all curricular areas.”

The introduction of S2 education will now commence this August.

Moving forward, the council’s vision is to introduce all secondary stages of secondary education within Ogilvie on a phased basis.

The aim is to ensure all S1 to S6 secondary year groups are in place by August 2024.